Daily Reflections - October 15,2012

JESUS AS THE SIGN

 

The 2002 movie Signs by M. Night Shyamalan was one of that year’s blockbusters, having earned a total of $60,117,080 on its opening weekend in the U.S.A. alone. The creepy, suspenseful story of an alien invasion with a focus on the faith struggles of Rev. Graham Hess (portrayed by Mel Gibson) makes use of the well-known phenomenon of crop circles as purported “signs” of the alien invasion or of UFO landings.

Signs are also what today’s Gospel reading is about — not regarding alien invasions, for sure! Rather, these signs are the indicators of Jesus’ presence and influence. Jesus Himself makes His point by invoking signs from their Jewish past: Jonah and King Solomon. For both, Jesus states bluntly (referring to Himself), “You have something greater than Solomon/ Jonah here.”

Perhaps we ourselves just have to give up our liking for signs — yes, also in our faith, in our relationship with God. Jesus alone is the sign that suffices, and no superstitious beliefs and practices should ever take the place of a genuine faith in Him.

Somehow it seems unusual that we should consider Jesus not only as Savior, Lord, Good Shepherd, and so on — but also as Sign. And we need not worry or be fearful if He as the Sign comes to our lives. For sure He will not invade us or herald bad luck or disaster in our lives. Just as long as we recognize Him and acknowledge His greatness and majesty, just as long as we welcome Him, then the sign will result in a great and wonderful reality for us. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: In making decisions, do you pray for visible signs? What keeps you from relying on the Holy Spirit’s leading, with or without visible signs?

 

Holy Spirit, may I learn to listen to Your promptings and trust in Your divine guidance for me.